Police have completed formal identification procedures and can now formally identify the deceased from Woodhill Forest as John Mowatt, 51, of Waimauku. His body will be returned to his family today.
His death is now a Coroner's case and Police cannot make any further comment around the circumstances of his death pending an inquest.
As per Police statements last week, while there is a strong inference that John Mowatt is connected with the two homicides at Ponga Road, confirmation of the course of events will only come at the conclusion of the investigation with an inquest to follow.
Detective Inspector Dave Lynch says the investigation still has a way to go before a conclusion can be reached.
"We appreciate the high public interest in the case however we still need to work through our investigation process. This includes forensic work which may take some time before the results are known."
Police are still speaking with a number of people connected with the three deceased throughout the course of this week.
Police thank everyone who has contacted them throughout the investigation to assist and appreciate the cooperation of all people involved in the investigation.